Blueprint Spring 2014

A Publication of the Nazareth

Academy Community

Blueprint SPRING 2014

celebrating the Nazareth family

In this issue Honoring Our Own Class Notes Family Gatherings Lights Out For Cancer Alumni Profiles And much more...

Honoring our own

As with any family, we take great joy in celebrating each other’s accomplishments. Each year Nazareth Academy has the honor of doing just that with Alumni Recognition Awards, two Hall of Fame inductions and the Call to the Heart Mass.

We congratulate all of this year’s honorees and thank them for the many ways in which they continue to create and enhance Nazareth’s legacy.

Athletic Hall of Fame January 17, 2014

Alumni Recognition Awards October 6, 2013

On January 17, 2014, Nazareth Academy inducted eight new members into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Nazareth welcomed coach Len Gramarossa, friend Sister Pat Borchardt ’50 and athletes Mary Carol Beach ’81, Ron Mouw ’87, Ryan Mouw ’92, Michael Pilch ’86, Monica Skowronski ’82 and Joe Ziemba ’99. “As we pride ourselves on the development of the whole person, we are happy to recall those women and men who have contributed to the Nazareth Academy Athletic Program throughout our history,” said Deborah Tracy ’82, principal.

Call to the Heart January 26, 2014 Nazareth Academy held its annual Call to the Heart Mass and Reception on Sunday, January 26, 2014. This special event is a time for Nazareth to thank all of the benefactors who have shared so many of their gifts and give special recognition to outstanding members of the Nazareth community with the Call to the Heart Award. The 2014 honorees are Frank and Cinnie Herr and Russ and Sue Petrak. This honor is a testament to their outstanding philanthropy to and for Nazareth Academy. These individuals and their families value the mission of Nazareth, heard the call for time, talent and treasure and responded with their whole hearts.

Alumni Recognition Awards were presented at the Alumni Family Mass on October 6, 2013. We honored Dianne Kirtley and Sr. Pat Bergen ’63. A teacher and Department Chair in English, Public Relations Director, Co-Advisor of The Announcer, Pom Pon Coach and Co-Moderator of Roadrunner Club, Mrs. Kirtley was a crucial part of the Nazareth community for 25 years. Sr. Pat taught at Nazareth as a faculty member and as the Religion Department Chair, worked in Campus Ministry and served on Nazareth’s Board of Trustees.

Many of the traditions Nazareth holds dear today are a result of Sr. Pat’s hard work and dedication.

Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living Jesus’ mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.

1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708.354.0061 Fax: 708.354.0109 www.nazarethacademy.com President: Mr. Dennis Moran Principal: Mrs. Deborah Tracy, ’82 Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ, ’60 Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Dr. Karen Brown Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia, ’89 Graphic Design and Print: The Stevens Group Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint Contact the editor to help stop duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your address. Your help is appreciated.

Cover image courtesy of Mr. Dan Roll, Da Vinci FX Photography

: Nazareth Academy : @NazarethLGP

A Letter from the President and Principal

To us, the strength of a community can be summarized in its ability to do three things: > celebrate together life’s amazing and wonderful events > mourn together life’s saddest times > stand together during life’s most challenging moments

In our combined fifty years of service, it has been our honor to experience all of these in abundance with our Nazareth family. Personally, we have watched each of our own children grow up on the Nazareth campus—from stroller days to now (in Dennis’ case) watching them with their own babies sporting Nazareth blue and white! We have also been witness to thousands of graduates making their way in college life and beyond, many of whom keep us informed about their meaningful work and the growth of their own families. These connections are amazing and fill us with great pride.

This issue of Blueprint centers on the theme of “family.” We certainly think of Nazareth Academy as an extension of each of our own families. We have also heard from numerous people over the years who have shared their Nazareth family feelings with us. Students tell us that they feel cared for; parents tell us that they feel supported by the attention we give to their children; alumni tell us that returning here is like coming “home.”

Members of great families challenge one another to be their best selves. They help one another to envision higher goals and to broaden their perspectives. In the best possible sense, being a member of a great family gives us both comfort and confidence—comfort in knowing we are loved and accepted for who we are and confidence to create a good and lasting legacy that will make a positive difference in the world around us. We hope that your experience of Nazareth Academy has offered you these gifts.

Thank you for being a part of our family.

Deborah Vondrasek Tracy, '82 Principal

Dennis Moran President

: Nazareth Academy Alumni Association

web extra

Please visit www.nazarethacademy.com for details about Nazareth’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame ceremony on April 3, 2014.

While photos were not available at press time, Nazareth is proud to honor the contributions of graduates Carolyn Brady Riley ’90, Tekoa Coleman ’95, Clare Grill ’97; educator Debbie Hale Soldato ’72; and friend of the arts Denise Slattery.

: @NazarethLGP : @NazarethLGP pg / 3

celebrating the Nazareth family We know that “family” means different things to different people.

For some, the Nazareth family has literal meaning with cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles and even grandparents carrying the Nazareth legacy.

For many, the Nazareth family is more of a feeling of support and care.

For others, family means a specific team or class or activity.

No matter the definition, Nazareth Academy takes great pride in creating a family atmosphere for its students, faculty and alumni.

We certainly understand the family tradition of caring for our own.

In the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph, so many generations share their time and treasure, to keep the Nazareth family not only surviving, but thriving.

We continue to be a school where students can grow, learn and find ways to stretch themselves. The relationships forged in these years— among students, in faith, with teachers and coaches—will last a lifetime.

We continue to be a place where alumni can return again and again, knowing they are welcome.

Most of all, we continue to honor and celebrate the lives, passions, accomplishments and milestones of our family members.

Sr. Pat Murray “All My Life’s a Circle” was not only the graduation song for Nazareth’s Class of 1980, it’s an apt description of the interesting and circular path Sister Pat Murray has charted. She has relocated geographically, professionally and spiritually several times over these thirty plus years, only to find herself back working with the Congregation of St. Joseph. “I know my life is part of God’s plan,” she explains. “I haven’t always understood where my path was going, but I have faith.”

As part of the last all-girls class to graduate from Nazareth, Pat remembers a small, tightknit school where “everyone knew everyone.”

She was very active in Campus Ministry and as Yearbook Editor, but still found time for her share of pranks and fun, including an unapproved “relocation” of a Mary sculpture for May Crowning. She also recalls an education which encouraged students to “ask the tough questions” and “dig deeper than the easy surface answers.”

That sense of exploration fostered at Nazareth helps a great deal in her current role as Executive Director of ABLE Families, a CSJ ministry which confronts the systemic causes of poverty by supporting low-income families

pg / 4

Advice for the Class of 2014: Put everything you have into life because it all counts. Study hard.

Get involved. Choose your friends wisely.

in rural Mingo County, West Virginia. “If the solution to poverty was easy, we would have done it already. I live and work in a land of contradictions. I need to hold those contradictions in my mind while seeking out complex solutions.”

Pat actually connected to ABLE initially through another Nazareth alumna, Debbie Hale Soldato ’72 who was her homeroom teacher junior year. She saw a notice seeking volunteers and decided to serve. “The service trip ended up being a great way to reconnect with alumni from different eras. Now we’ve become great friends.”

Not surprisingly, her Nazareth connections continued when it came time to apply for the Executive Director’s role. In between her first volunteer project and her job application, ABLE’s sponsors had officially changed from the Sisters of St. Joseph (Wheeling, WV) to the Congregation of St. Joseph. As soon as Pat realized the connection, “I called Sr. Pat Bergen

mark your calendar

’80 ’63, who had been Campus Minister when I was a Nazareth student and was now on the CSJ’s leadership team, to let her know she’d be seeing my application.”

“When I ultimately returned to the La Grange Park Chapel, I had to take a few minutes to just stand there and take it all in. I realized that a missing piece of me had just fallen into place.”

She looked around the gathering of ministry leaders to see that three of them—herself, Theresa Hutchison Denton ’79 and Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82—had all been Nazareth students together. Continuing to feel a familiar nudge over the past few years, Pat has taken steps to transfer religious orders from the Franciscans to the Congregation of St. Joseph.

“It’s time to come home.”

The annual Nazareth Alumni trip to ABLE Families in Kermit, WV will be Sunday, July 27 - Saturday, August 2, 2014. Whatever talents you have will be put to use. Some alumni will run an “Around the World” cultural camp for children; some will work on home repair; some will do health screenings. However you would like to serve, there is a place for you. For more information, contact Debbie Hale Soldato ’72 at 312.590.2997 or dsoldato@comcast.net.

Rita “Molly” Alexa Flowers

’61

Rita “Molly” Alexa Flowers represents Nazareth family in a literal sense. She is an alumnae of the Class of 1961. Three of her sons (Ed ’81, Jim ’82, and Tom ’83) and two of her grandchildren (Trent Mitchell ’13 and Marissa Flowers ’08) are Naz grads. Two more grandchildren, MacKenzie Mitchell ’14 and Madison Flowers ’17 are current students.

It’s no wonder that some of her most treasured Nazareth memories are as a grandmother.

“I always feel so welcome whenever I come back to Nazareth, but Marissa’s graduation was especially significant. She was one of the first third generation graduates and the administration really celebrated that milestone at graduation.”

The welcomes started back in 1957 when Molly (then known as Rita) was one of only a handful of St. Leonard girls to attend Nazareth.

“Those were such fun times,” Molly remembers.

“Even though I was a shy girl, I developed wonderful friendships at Naz. Two of those friends in particular have stuck by me my entire life.” As the mother of four sons in the 1970’s she wanted the same welcoming environment, but Nazareth was still an all-girls school.

Luckily for the Flowers family, Molly heard from Sister Judy Flynn that the move toward a co-educational institution was in the works. “I took Ed to an Open House his eighth grade year and he loved what he saw and felt.” Ed Flowers joined the first male students at Nazareth, followed quickly by his brothers. They involved themselves with the basketball program, finding a family in their teammates. “It was wonderful to watch my sons’ personalities blossom. It took some personal courage to attend the traditionally all-girls school. As the first boys there, they were treated like stars.”

Stan Fronczak

Looking back on his Nazareth days, Stan also realizes the family he had in his fellow students and teachers. He speaks with fondness about Mr. Wejman’s sense of humor and the obvious love Mr. Jurasas has for his daughters.

“Everyone was very welcoming and so kindhearted. There were many faculty members who felt more like friends than just a person who gave me assignments or graded my tests.”

Stan believes that at some places he could have been easily pigeon-holed as a jock, but felt the Naz community continually asked him to push himself as a student, as a community member, as a Catholic. Stan took part in National Honor Society, was a Eucharistic Minister, ran Track and was a representative in student government. His teachers also encouraged him to take multiple AP courses, which he credits

Stan Fronczak ’10 has never feared a challenge. He came to Nazareth determined to excel in the classroom and on the football field. “I stepped out on to the field to prove to myself that I could withstand the challenge. I learned to stand tall in the face of enormous odds.” Stan also found a family in his Naz teammates. “Even despite differences, a fellow football player was a brother.” He’s even come to appreciate Coach Racki’s two-a-days, recalling the sense of success that came from pure physical exhaustion coupled with the desire to just keep pushing forward.

Now, Molly has the pleasure of seeing her grandchildren feel the same warm embrace. She is amazed at the ever growing number of student activities from which current students can choose and is justifiably proud to see that both female and male students move on to fine universities, a change from her day when, “it just didn’t seem as important for girls to go on to college.”

In October 2013, she and granddaughter MacKenzie read during the Alumni Family Mass.

Molly still recognized a handful of nuns. In the Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel, she finds Nazareth’s strong foundation, upon which the school’s legacy has been built.

“I certainly don’t know everything,” she says, “but I know that if you can succeed at Nazareth, you can succeed in anything you put your mind to in life.”

’10 with giving him an advantage at University of Notre Dame.

Not only did those Naz classes earn him college course-credits, but “Nazareth had already taught me to think like an Arts and Letters undergraduate. By giving me a solid workload and teaching me integral lessons, Nazareth made the transition to college easier.” This spring Stan will graduate from Notre Dame with a Political Science and Chinese double major and a minor in Constitutional Studies. He has already been accepted to Notre Dame’s School of Law after scoring in the top 91% on the LSAT. When Stan is in town to visit family, he always does a Nazareth drive-by. “It still feels like home.”

Advice for the Class of 2014: Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

How can you know how far you can go if you don’t challenge yourself to keep pushing to reach the next goal? pg / 5

’01

Justin Hanson Justin Hanson’s life and career have been guided by a dedication to service. “When I truly believe in the cause I’m involved with, that’s where I find my home,” he says. He credits Nazareth’s pillar of service with making his high school years so special and with keeping him connected as an alumnus. The lesson that “empathy for others is a valuable strength” was first taught by Justin’s parents and then strongly reinforced at Nazareth.

One of three Hanson siblings to attend Naz, Justin was actively involved in student life, participating as an athlete in Track and Football and on stage in school plays. Justin is grateful for the challenging curriculum and teachers such as Mr. Mullen who “went above and beyond classroom fundamentals. He really held us accountable to our assignments, which was a life lesson.” He remembers trips into the city with Students Helping Others Everywhere (SHOE), but it was through the Kairos Retreat program that Justin felt he reached the pinnacle of the Nazareth family experience.

In fact, Justin was part of the first group to bring Kairos to Nazareth. “I still remember being tapped on the shoulder along with a bunch of

other students during lunch by Mr. [Dennis] Moran and wondering what I’d done wrong. It wasn’t until we saw Mrs. Caragher that we knew it must be something good.” For Justin, Kairos illuminated the connection between God, service, family and the wider world that has remained a part of his life.

His post-Nazareth path has included a Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University, followed by four years in Washington, D.C. as a policy advisor for congressional leadership.

Justin then earned his Law Degree from ChicagoKent College of Law and worked for a large firm before recently being appointed as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. “I am so honored to be part of the process here. I love the sense of community I find.”

Not surprisingly, Justin has also remained active in service. Along with fellow alum, Florence Ann Romano ’04, he sits on the board of Giant Steps, an organization which provides educational and therapeutic services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He also spent time in a mentoring program at the Richards Career Academy in Chicago’s Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood. The school’s extra-curricular activities have a vocational direction. Justin

Kara McMahon Mueller

Class of 1989 alumnae Kristen Driscoll Stojetz and Kara McMahon Mueller

pg / 6

Kara McMahon Mueller remembers entering Nazareth having felt like the “odd man out” during grammar school because she made academics a priority. “I came not knowing a soul and quickly developed a family of friends and teachers.” It’s these people she credits with making Nazareth so meaningful in her life.

“Teachers like Mr. Michalek and Mrs. Cain had high expectations for us academically, but also took the time to get to know us as people and made us feel a part of something special.” At Nazareth, Kara truly felt she could be herself and still belong.

In fact, she immersed herself at Naz, participating in Basketball, Track, student government and even Band as a freshman and sophomore.

“I still regret having to give up Band,” she says, “but at the time it was the Fen-Naz Band and practices were at Fenwick. It just became too

’94

Sean Mahoney Justin and wife Lindsay

mentored girls with an interest in pursuing a career in law. “My role was to help them hone and harness their goals. I was, in turn, heartened to see and feel their passion for justice, certainly born of their life experiences.”

The work Justin has done and hopes to do in the future is all tied to his philosophy that “every person, no, every single living thing, is entitled to dignity. It’s one of Jesus’ most elemental teachings, and one that is at the core of all faiths. Recognize and fight for the dignity in all things, big and small.”

Advice for the Class of 2014: Your lives will be enriched by engaging the world with a mind that is open. Never be too afraid to challenge your own ideas – and never be too proud to change them.

Open minds change the world.

’89 much.” She found continued ways to be involved as an upperclassman with both National Honor Society and Culture Club, ultimately graduating as the Class of 1989 Valedictorian.

After graduation, Kara went on to earn a BA in English at Wake Forest University. “One of the reasons I chose Wake was because it shared a similar family atmosphere as Naz. I had a very fulfilling and successful undergrad experience – thanks in great deal to my preparation at Nazareth.” Kara then moved to Boulder, CO to attend the University of Colorado School of Law, but ultimately chose to complete her teaching license. She is now settled in Ridgway, CO with her husband Andy and two daughters, McKinley (15) and Kendall (12).

Sean Mahoney has always kept busy. While at Nazareth, he was an honors student participating in sports, band, National Honor Society and student government. Twenty years later, he is a husband, father of four and accomplished entrepreneur. “I have never worked so hard in my life,” he says. “I have no regrets.”

Launching a small business in the current economy is not for the faint of heart. As of December 2013, Sean actually owns and operates two local businesses – Foothold Design, based in Chicago, and the newly opened BuckleDown Brewing in Lyons, IL. A University of Notre Dame alumnus and a graphic designer by trade, Sean spent ten years in big ad agencies, including Leo Burnett, before

BuckleDown Brewing’s Ike Orcutt and Sean Mahoney

For the past eight years Kara has worked as Comptroller for dZi Foundation, an organization which partners with underserved communities in remote regions of the Himalaya to build sustainable locally-driven programs that improve quality of life. “We do not presuppose what it is that our partner communities most need or want. We offer training and resources to guide the communities toward finding their own priorities. All the labor is provided by the community members themselves. This creates a huge degree of ownership and community pride.”

In 2008, Kara traveled to Delhi, Ladakh and Sikkim (all in India) as well as to Kathmandu, Nepal for her work. “Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world; but they are happy, warm people who embrace life. I thought I knew how severe the poverty was, but until I was

venturing into his own firm. “I sort of cut my teeth in entrepreneurship with Foothold,” he explains. His success there confirmed his ability to “take risks and go after [his] dreams.”

Sean’s BuckleDown business partner, Ike Orcutt, was actually a Foothold client and a fellow home-brewer. “We shared our stories and our beer and decided to jump into this together.” BuckleDown’s tap room currently offers five different brews, priced by the glass.

The brewery also distributes six varieties of beer to over forty-five local bars and restaurants.

Sean sees the Lyons location as ideal for a local brewery, with Lake Michigan water being the easily accessible and tasty primary ingredient. “In the past five or six years with the farm to table movement, people’s palates have grown more adventurous. There is a need for good, local, flavorful beers.” As a La Grange resident, he knows the area and the people and sees BuckleDown as the natural next step in the local and hand-crafted food trend.

“I’m the kind of person who gets a lot of satisfaction from taking a project from beginning to end. Sure I’m the janitor, brewer, designer and bartender at BuckleDown; but it’s all worth it when I witness a customer get excited tasting a beer that I brewed.”

When looking back at the foundation Nazareth Academy offered for his journey, Sean offers up the word “balance.” “Of course I took advantage of the breadth of learning, but I also discovered social balance. Nazareth gave me the confidence to move forward in life.”

there personally, I did not REALLY know. I try to retain that perspective when I am feeling down or sorry for myself for some reason – I remind myself how lucky I am!”

As a student, Kara did her share of service hours, but had no idea the role service would take in her life. “Service was just assumed as part of my Nazareth education. It was only years later I understood how much those years taught me about myself and my desire for my work life to be in service to others.” Kara would advise current high school and college students

to explore the non-profit world as a potential career path. “It is very rewarding to work with an organization that is doing good for the underprivileged and under-served.”

Despite her geographic distance, Kara remains connected to the Nazareth family. In fact, she believes that her distance actually makes her appreciate the milestones, reunions and visits to Nazareth even more. “I love to get together with my many Naz friends – everyone seems to be thriving! I don’t take those opportunities for granted.”

Sean Mahoney is not the only alum in the brewery business.

Michael Wagner ’89 was featured in Beer Advocate magazine last fall and is opening Little Giant Brewery in Bradenton, Florida.

Christopher DiBraccio ’91, already the co-owner (with wife Renee Brixie ‘91) of Brixie’s Beer Bar & Grill in Brookfield, IL, has also just opened Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs, IL.

Advice for the Class of 2014: Explore all the opportunities that post-high school life has to offer. The solid foundation and sense of family that Nazareth has provided you will be your strength as you try new paths and adventures in your life.

pg / 7

Class Notes Sister Mary Southard ’54, CSJ was a speaker for the In Good Faith series at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) that brought an equal number of Christians, Muslims and Jews together to discuss the topic Care for Creation on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. The event was organized by the Cardinal Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry.

Cathy Malone Buckley ’63, Donna Tuzzolino Marino ’63, Suzanne Entress Morris ’63 and Merry Lynn Katis Curry ’63 all met up in Las Vegas in February 2014 for a mini-reunion of sorts.

Nick Urso ’02 and Christie Belfiore ’04 are engaged to be married. The two of them have opened a dedicated gluten free bakery called Bivio in Westchester.

Marissa Nigro ’02 was married on October 12, 2013 at Independence Grove in Libertyville, IL to Eric Langsfeld of Hoffman Estates. Krysta Bavlsik ’02 served as the Maid of Honor. Marissa and Eric honeymooned in Bora Bora for two weeks following the wedding and currently reside in Round Lake Heights. Marissa works as a Senior Financial Analyst at Baxter Healthcare and Eric owns and manages a Nuclear Imaging Medical Equipment company.

Christine Palumbo ’71 was featured in TribLocal’s Business Profile for her company Christine Palumbo Nutrition.

Chris Spartz ’03 joined the basketball staff as Recruiting and Operations Coordinator at Ohio State University.

Chris DiBraccio ’91 is co-owner of the newly opened Imperial Oak Brewing in Willow Springs.

Lyndsey Keating Clark ’06 and her husband celebrated their first wedding anniversary in November 2013 and welcomed their first child, Nathan Matthew Clark on January 11, 2014.

Sean Mahoney ’94 opened a small craft brewery and taproom, BuckleDown Brewing, in Lyons.

Justin Hanson ’01 and Michael Ditore ’06 were each named as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney.

In Memoriam September 2013 - February 2014

We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away.

Karen McCarthy, grandmother of Kelly ’11 and Christine ’09 Robert Pickell, father of Linda Pickell Carey ’74

Suzanne Dusek Asa, former teacher

Jerry Rabas, father of Joyce ’88, Jerry ’90 and Julie ’92

Joshua Brija ’02

Mary Schrack, former teacher

Pauline Buban, mother of Marie Buban Baker ’55

Francis Szczepkowski, father of Mark Szczepkowski (faculty)

Jon Croney, father of Haley ’12 and Jon ’14

Margaret White, grandmother of Courtney ’07 and mother-in-law of Kim (faculty)

Grace Gonzalez, mother of Anthony Gonzalez (faculty) Karen Kleppetsch, mother of Paul ’96 and Lauren ’02 Clarice Melone ’69 pg / 8

Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.

Courtney White ’07 welcomed daughter Luna Emiliana on January 12, 2014.

Brothers

& sisters

The “Nazareth Family” takes on literal meaning for the hundreds of brothers and sisters who’ve attended high school together. We reached out to a few sets of siblings to get their take.

Ali Hawkins ’09 and Sarah Ryan ’09 were spotted in GQ magazine, photographed at a recent Chicago event.

Matt Behrendt ’11 capped a record-setting year at UW-Whitewater and guided its football team to its fifth Stagg Bowl victory in seven years.

Serena Pav ’12 was spotted on WGN News. She was dancing as part of the Chicago International Salsa Congress which took place February 13-16, 2014.

Save the

date!

Alumni Reunion Saturday, September 27, 2014 We have a new schedule for our 2014 Alumni Reunion. This year, we will have an evening full of opportunities to reconnect with former classmates. Join us at Nazareth for our Alumni and Family Mass at 5 p.m., at which we will distribute our Alumni Recognition Awards, followed by an All Class Reunion Cocktail Reception from 6-8 p.m. in our Dining Hall. Tours of the school will be available during this time. All alumni are invited to attend with special emphasis on classes ending in 4s and 9s. Those classes with banner year celebrations this year are encouraged to have individual class celebrations prior to Mass or after the Cocktail Reception.

If you are interested in acting as a Class Representative, please contact Katherine Fernholz at 708.387.8508 or kfernholz@nazarethacademy.com.

Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60, Nancy Middendorf Gibbons ’65 and Joan Middendorf Thoms ’70

’70 ’65 ’60

The Middendorf sisters never attended Nazareth at the same time, yet still share the Nazareth bond. “Because I had an older sister, so many of the day-to-day experiences were familiar by the time my freshman year rolled around, making the transition to high school a little easier,” says Nancy. Joan also felt a growing sense of excitement as her turn approached.

“Aside from the wonderful curriculum and classmates, I found kinship with the Sisters of St. Joseph, very much like a sisterly bond of love, respect and understanding.”

All three sisters have stayed connected to Nazareth. Terry is a Sister of St. Joseph and current Academic Dean at Nazareth. Nancy made a career of teaching in the Archdiocese of Chicago and has “come full circle, now working part time for the Sisters.” All three of Joan’s children (Rachel ’98, Emily ’02 and Graham ’05) attended Naz “and with a grandchild living in the neighborhood, we hope the tradition will continue.”

Brad Duranty ’05, Kevin Duranty ’06, Emily Duranty ’08 and Brian Duranty ’11

Grace Mazur ’12, John Mazur ’14 and Katie Mazur ’17

The Duranty siblings crossed paths often in high school, from their morning walk to school to seeing each other in the halls and at assemblies.

“I probably met more people than I would have without having siblings there,” says Kevin. Brad, Kevin and Emily were all students when Naz won a radio contest to have the band Switchfoot perform in the gym.

The “best show by Switchfoot” has become a cherished family memory.

Likewise, Brian will never forget his final football game in 2010, played just after the sudden death of former teammate Phil Kaiser. “Naz was down 21-10 with 84 seconds left in the game and by some miracle they scored two touchdowns in those 84 seconds and came back to win the game.”

The Duranty sibs (children of Meg Malek Duranty ’80) encourage other families to look at their Naz years together as an opportunity.

“Use it as a way to meet and make friends with kids younger and older.”

They have done just that. Brad, Kevin and Emily all live with fellow Naz alumni. “Brian is still in college, but his time will come.”

’11 ’08 ’06 ’05

’17 ’14 ’12

All three Mazur siblings describe Nazareth as “one big family.” Grace says, “Having siblings and cousins at Naz made it feel like home,” but each Mazur also got involved to find new families at Naz including sports teams and Campus Ministry. “My Naz Basketball family has stuck together through good times and bad,” says John. Katie recalls her eagerness to start high school, “I saw how much Grace and John love Naz and I wanted to have the same experience.” John and Katie are both particularly thankful for the attention from upperclassmen and suggestions on clubs and teachers.

Far from dividing them, sharing the Nazareth experience has drawn these sisters and brother closer. “The simplest conversations with my sisters on the way to school have strengthened my relationship with them.”

(These chats and hallway “hellos” are also something Grace misses every day.) Bottom line, according to Katie, is, “High school is a busy time. It’s really helpful to have a sibling you know you can rely on.”

pg / 9

family album

you can always come home again

Benita Romano and her daughters Gabrielle ’09, Florence Ann ’04 and Christiana ’14 celebrate fifteen years of Nazareth legacy at the Oscar Night Auction in February.

Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 (staff) and Lisa Turano Solano ’85 chat at the Alumni Cocktail Reception in October.

With fourteen alumni holding faculty or staff positions at Nazareth, not a day goes by that an alumnus is not spotted in our hallways. Happily, not all sightings are employees. We welcome you back for social events, Masses, reunions and casual visits. Here are just a few of the alumni we’ve captured on camera this year.

Congregation of St. Joseph Sisters Kathy Sherman (former staff) and Pat Bergen ’63 were visible supporters of the 2013 WALK in October.

my

Brothers Ron Mouw ’87 and Ryan Mouw ’92 were both inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in January.

Nazareth

Matt Gragnani ’07, Dan Voss ’10, Mike Voss ’07, John Bresnahan ’08 and Mike Gragnani ’07 reconnect in the Oremus Library at an Alumni Networking Night in February.

Alena Murguia ’89 (staff) and Victoria Lesnicki ’13 get to catch up after the Alumni Family Mass in October.

Vita Di Pasca ’08 and Sister Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 (staff) both attended Homecoming weekend events.

Jordan Maloney ’12 and Melissa Dudak Byram ’01 (staff) share a hug at the Young Alumni Gathering in January.

Amy Klod Boyle ’96 and Virginia Brabon Dunn ’38 represent many generations of alumni at Naz-gate during Homecoming weekend. pg / 10

I love the idea of family. I come from a family of eight and started school open to adding more people to a special place in my heart. AP English Literature and Composition has an aura of understanding, care and connection that is truly unique.

We have intelligent, insightful discussions and, even though we may disagree, we maintain deep respect for each other. We can have extremely hilarious or heartbreaking and significant talks which continue to strengthen our bond. I can proudly say that these classmates are, figuratively, my family.

- Jacquie Skokna, ’14

Congregation of St. Joseph Sisters Patricia Borchardt ’50, Marlene Schemmel ’54, and Rosemary LaFlaur ’51 joined the student body at the Winter Pep Rally celebrating Catholic Schools Week. pg / 11

every day is a Great Day

‘‘

Mr. Danko has been a coach, teacher, Naz parent to James ’93 and Jennifer ’96 and, most notably, a visible and vocal presence on the sidelines. He will certainly be missed.

in his own words:

I would like to thank the Sisters of St. Joseph for providing a great high school for me to work at these past thirty five years.

Many thanks to Sr. Marianne Race, Sr. Jackie Schmitz, Sr. Terry Middendorf, Deborah Tracy and my longtime friend Dennis Moran for their leadership. A special thanks to Lori Sadowski for being a great friend and mentor.

I sincerely hope all of my students have learned about lifetime health and have enjoyed the physical education activities. I have enjoyed teaching them.

Class of 2014 Nazareth students are all college bound.

We celebrate those students who have committed to continue not only their academic pursuits at the college level, but their athletic pursuits as well. Our Class of 2014 list, to date, includes: > Danielle Bartodziej, Northwood University, Softball > Robbie Brindley, Saint Xavier University, Football > Samantha Brown, Youngstown State University, Volleyball > Katelyn Cahill, Butler University, Softball > Ellen Chiligiris, Williams College, Hockey > Will Colmery, Purdue University, Football > Kevin Connelly, Illinois Wesleyan University, Basketball > Timothy DalPorto, Kent State University, Baseball

rethacademy.com or Please visit www.naza t ’79, Director of Studen kins Haw rese The contact any questions. h wit 3 .857 .387 708 Activities, at

Attendees will take part in a meaningful ceremony to honor the names of loved ones affected by cancer. “It’s important to us that we’re not just creating an entertainment event. Through prayer, video, speakers and a visual symbol of cancer’s impact, we hope to keep the focus on what’s important,” says Stancik.

“We all know someone—a parent, grandparent, cousin, or friend— whose life has been touched by cancer,” says Lozanoski. “Now is the chance for us to come together to make a positive impact.” Students, parents, alumni, teachers and community members are all welcome.

> Joey Fontano, Benedictine College of Kansas, Football > Allison Kurek, Concordia University of Wisconsin,

Hockey and Lacrosse > Daniel Lockie, DePauw University, Football > Ashley McGee, Loras College, Lacrosse

I am now finishing my career as a classroom teacher, but will stay on to coach golf for Naz. It has been a great run and it’s time to play the back nine. I look forward to spending quality time with Penny, my wife of forty-one years, and our three grandchildren.

> Matthew Vance, St. Ambrose University, Football

> Peter Minella, Western Illinois University, Baseball > Alexia Petrovic, University of Utah, Tennis > Daniel Rybski, Indiana Tech, Baseball > Cyle Tucker, Benedictine College of Kansas, Football

Thanks to everyone at Nazareth for making every day a great day.”

my

Nazareth

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May 17, 2014 • 6-10 p.m

> Jack Dolan, John Carroll University, Football

> Evan McLaughlin, Lawrence University, Basketball

- Devinne Love, ’14

Lights Out For Cancer

> Doug DiFusco, University of Indianapolis, Football

Coaching has been a big part of my career at Naz where I’ve coached sophomore football, varsity baseball, varsity tennis and varsity golf. Our tennis team qualified for State Finals in 2001 with Matt McClure ‘01 finishing 4th. The golf team has won five Regionals, two Sectionals and had five State Final appearances.

Andrew Dobis ’14 finished 10th in the 2013 State Finals.

I have felt a part of many small families within the larger Naz family, especially my senior year. My basketball family has helped me gain my confidence. My team is more like a sisterhood. I am truly grateful for them and I couldn’t have asked for better teammates.

In conjunction with our pillar of Service, Nazareth has a rich history of raising funds for other not-for-profit organizations. The American Cancer Society is one such organization. The Nazareth family has, in fact, raised over $300,000 to fight cancer, primarily through its Relay For Life events.

When students heard that the busy Naz calendar couldn’t hold a two-day Relay this year, they came up with a new idea. Lights Out For Cancer will be a one-night event to be held on Spirit Field on May 17, 2014.

“Many of us felt passionately about Relay,” explains Madison Lozanoski ’15. “We decided, instead of just being disappointed, to work with the Administration to find a way to still come together as a school community.” Sydney Stancik ’15 agrees, saying, “I don’t know if any of us in the student body realized how important the communal aspect of Relay was to us until we faced its absence.”

Student Council members have been hard at work planning a memorable night of entertainment, food, speakers and on-site fundraisers such as raffles and head-shaving challenges, all to benefit the American Cancer Society. Nazareth has even teamed up with DJs from Chicago’s B96 radio station, who will promote the event and bring the station’s entertainment van to provide music and giveaways.

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For the first time in thirty-five years, next year’s faculty list will not include Mr. Jim Danko. Famous for his Naz spirit, Jim leaves a legacy of enthusiasm, empathy, success and optimism.

“Mr. Danko is an institution,” says Justin Hanson ’01. “You knew when you were in his class, you were very lucky because you were a part of a Naz tradition.”

Lights Out For Cancer tickets available at the gate

to be a Roadrunner!

College Bound Student-Athletes

Nazareth’s St. Joseph Society For over 100 years, generations of Nazareth students, parents and alumni have come together as family to learn, to grow and to achieve. This history has been built on a foundation of investment and generosity.

The St. Joseph Society honors those who lay a strong foundation for the future of Nazareth Academy through their estate plans. “The fact that many alumni have chosen to remember Nazareth with planned gifts, especially given all the worthy opportunities for philanthropy, is an incredible testament to the lifelong impact of a Nazareth education,” says Carol Pelino, Chair of the Board of Trustees Development Committee. “To know that we have this kind of support and commitment to the school’s future provides a stable base for growth and opportunities for future generations.”

Each member of the St. Joseph Society will also receive a miniature version of Sr. Mary Southard’s Joseph on the Journey sculpture with an inscription of gratitude. “By making this commitment, these donors are on the Nazareth journey with us. We intend this sculpture to be an acknowledgement and reminder that we are one in our commitment to the future,” says Carol.

These types of gifts and bequests of any size allow us to continue our mission of educating young women and men, not just to strive for higher learning, but to truly live our principles of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

Please visit the Nazareth website at www.nazarethacademy.com to view planned gift options or contact Angela Broucek at 708.387.8547.

The St. Joseph Society In grateful recognition of those who remembered Nazareth Academy in their estates.

Rose Dulik Evelyn Bohaboy Holinka ’39 Marie Kelly ’29 Joan L. Koza ’59 Laura Martini ’41 John Michalek Patricia Platek Millet ’63 Sharon Moore ’67 Eleanor O’Connor ’43 Irene O’Connor ’44 Gilbert O. Petterson Barbara Pierzynski ’56 Dorothy Walsh Pokorny ’37 Dorothy Prose ’62 Eugene T. & Mary L. Schuler Barbara Bubon Steinbeigle ’51

Alexia Petrovic, Ashley McGee, Will Colmery, Samantha Brown, Danielle Bartodziej and Timothy DalPorto

This above list is, by no means, comprehensive for the Class of 2014.

We continue to celebrate new college commitments each day.

Congratulations to all.

This school year, Nazareth added a plaque to the Wheeler West Wing, recognizing and thanking individuals who’ve made this type of commitment to Nazareth.

Karen Sheen-Sullivan ’62 & Patrick Sullivan Joan Valenta Margaret Bluma Zindrick ’41 And all the Anonymous donors who did not wish to be named.

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What’s New at Nazareth?

New ideas and opportunities for students are made possible because of the consistent generosity of our Nazareth family. Thank you for your continued support of Nazareth Academy.

naz by the

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Legacy students who can claim a parent who is a Nazareth alumnus

You Are the Light of the World On January 23, 2014, Nazareth hosted a day-long 7th Grade Retreat for some area schools. Planned and led by fifteen Nazareth seniors, the theme was “You Are the Light of the World.” In large and small group activities and discussions, 7th graders from Divine Infant, St. Cletus and St. Francis Xavier interacted with Nazareth student leaders, discussed depression and proper ways to treat people, played games and assembled personal hygiene kits for a service project. The Retreat concluded with a prayer service complete with candle lighting and a banner signing for each school.

Jimmy John’s at Naz

On February 5, 2014, Mr. Gonzalez’s Economics classes welcomed speakers from the "Real World Skills for a Real Tough World" program, sponsored

by Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches.

The Jimmy John’s team spoke with Nazareth students in three different sessions about how to make the best first impression, how to fill out a job application, how to prepare for an interview and, most importantly, how hard work pays off. They even conducted mock job interviews with Naz students. They also treated the students to Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches!

“This experience will help our students better themselves in a very competitive job market. In class, we discuss human resources often, so it's nice for them to hear it from professionals in the business world. Naz students can make themselves better applicants,” says Mr. Gonzalez.

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Summer Courses and Camps Beginning in summer 2014, Nazareth will offer a wide array of camps and courses for students from first grade all the way through college.

In addition to Nazareth’s extremely popular Sports Camps for all ages, summer 2014 will see the return of Drama Camps and the introduction of fun, academic-oriented Discovery Camps to be taught by Nazareth faculty.

Nazareth will also offer several summer enrichment opportunities for current Nazareth Academy students. From Test Prep to Computer Programming, from Drivers Ed to Conversational Spanish, Nazareth students will now have the chance to both enrich their educations and potentially earn course credit over the summer months.

Please visit Nazareth’s website at www.nazarethacademy.com for more information on summer programming.

numbers

iPads for the Class of 2018 Nazareth Academy is proud to announce the integration of student iPads beginning with the Class of 2018. Each freshman will be responsible for the purchase of an iPad that will be used in each academic discipline throughout their four years at Naz. The vast majority of their texts will be available to them digitally which will reduce their overall "book" bill considerably. In addition to the projected four-year financial savings, this integration will lead to numerous advances in student engagement. New technology is being introduced rapidly and students will now have opportunities to engage more fully in class projects and research. We look forward to this four year plan that will have our entire student body “greener” and more tech-connected by the 2017-2018 school year.

50

Record number of students mandated as Eucharistic Ministers at the Back to School Mass in September, 2013

1169

$

raised in January 2014 for the Blanket Buddies program at Loyola University Medical Center

$202,485

11,000+

raised for WALK 2013

Alumni in Nazareth’s 114 year history

(and counting)

19

AP Scholars in the Class of 2013

90

42

Juniors and Seniors who registered to vote during lunch periods at Naz

Illinois State Scholars in the Class of 2014

6

Teams or Student-Athletes who finished within State Top 10 in 2013

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I am blessed to have been connected to Nazareth Academy for over 25 years. It is no secret that my father works here, but the truth is that most of the people I am closest to are connected to Naz. My sister and brother are also alumni. I met my wife Maria in my freshman homeroom; and the majority of my long-lasting friendships are either with Naz grads, or Naz employees. The Nazareth legacy is part of my family tree. I am incredibly thankful for growing up in the Nazareth community and honored to have been accepted back here as a teacher and coach. At Nazareth you are not a number, but a part of a family.

We care about each other here, whether as teachers, coaches, moderators, students, or athletes. We are with each other through our highs and lows.

- Casey Moran ’01, current faculty

www.nazarethacademy.com If you receive duplicate copies of Blueprint, please contact Alena Murguia at amurguia@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8536 with your current address. Thank you in advance for helping conserve our resources.